National Public Lands Foundation Honors BLM Employeesfor Special Professional Achievement

Washington, D.C. – Bureau of Land Management Director Jim Caswell recognized two BLM employees today at a Washington, D.C., reception held by the Public Lands Foundation, which presented national awards to the recipients for their dedication and professionalism in public lands management.

Dennis Stenger, recently retired from the BLM in Wyoming, was named Outstanding Public Lands Professional Manager for 2007 for his work in overseeing responsible development of energy resources from the public lands in Buffalo and Pinedale, Wyoming, two of the BLM’s busiest field offices

The Public Lands Foundation also honored Kirk Halford, lead archaeologist in the BLM’s Bishop, California, Field Office since 1994, as its Outstanding Public Lands Professional Technician for 2007. The award acknowledges his tremendous initiative and leadership in the preservation of cultural and heritage resources.

"Dennis and Kirk exemplify the fine professionalism practiced by the career men and women of the BLM," Caswell said. "As I've traveled through the West, I am reminded repeatedly of our outstanding public servants and the work they do. My warmest congratulations to Dennis and Kirk as they receive these well deserved awards."

Public Lands Foundation President George Lea described the national awards, now in their 19th year, as recognition for actions by professional public land technicians and managers that "constitute special professional achievement, courage, and not simply good performance."

The two men’s achievement will be permanently inscribed on the "Hall of Fame Award" plaque at the BLM headquarters in Washington, D.C.

"This is another example of professional career employees’ willingness to chart new direction in protecting and enhancing natural resources," Lea said. "We had many nominations for this award this year, and it is unfortunate that we cannot recognize them all in this manner."

The Public Lands Foundation is the only national membership organization dedicated solely to the protection and perpetuation of the National Public Lands System under the administration of the BLM. It is a national nonprofit conservation organization whose members are primarily retired and active BLM employees. The full text and photos of this, and other professional awards, and information on all Public Lands Foundation programs and concepts can be found on the Internet at www.publicland.org.

The BLM manages more land – 258 million surface acres – than any other Federal agency. Most of this public land is located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, and cultural resources on the public lands.